Our team sat down to plan this issue with one goal in mind—we wanted it to be chock-full of never-before-seen content. We gathered some of the most talented stylists and vendors and decided we wouldn’t sleep this time around—we’d just produce photo shoots. So, here’s what the last six months looked like for us: we had brunch aboard a catamaran; soaked up San Clemente’s Spanish style; scoured San Diego for the best hotel suites; got “trashed” at The New Children’s Museum (no, not that kind of trashed!); played at Paradise Point Resort; and talked table etiquette at Tower 23.

The result: 168 pages of stunning wedding inspiration that you won’t be able to put down.

In fact, we’d love it if you took Exquisite Weddings with you to every vendor you meet. San Diego has a fabulous community of wedding and event planning talent, so sharing and exchanging ideas will only help “up” the ante.

Our team had an epiphany this issue—gather a group of wedding professionals with this much passion for their jobs and you get some serious wedding magic. We made great friends this issue, the outcome of spending long hours—sometimes away from home—collaborating on design ideas, logistics, timing and techniques. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we disagree; we think it’s your wedding vendors. Enjoy the issue!

Where have we been?

From left: Kailyn Mickle, Ann Wycoff, Laurie Nicoud, Gloria Tebelman, Jennifer Rea, Erin Meanley

Kailyn: Soaked up sun at the tabletop shoot at Paradise Point Resort

Ann: Tasted the culinary delights of the city for our catering guide

Laurie: Set sail for a ceremony at sea on San Diego’s only catamaran

Gloria: Ordered room service galore at San Diego’s best hotel suites

Jen: Went hotel hopping and gown shopping for our ballroom inspiration shoot

Erin: Obsessed over Valentino stilettos at the gown shoot in San Clemente

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Natalie

She’s a recent bride who loves everything weddings. Natalie selected the fabulous ceremony sites, which range from rustic ranch to rad rooftop.

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Corey

Representing the groom’s perspective in a team dominated by women isn’t easy, so we let Corey kick back with a beer while taking a break at the cover shoot.

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